Design & Development Manager

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Design & Development Manager based in United States.

This role leads the design and development of new retail stores, remodels, facility upgrades, and other capital projects from initial planning through permitting and construction documentation.

You will oversee project strategy, scheduling, budgets, design quality, and coordination across multidisciplinary teams and external partners.

The position combines people leadership, technical design expertise, project management, and commercial decision-making in a highly collaborative environment.

You will help shape and maintain design prototypes, equipment specifications, fuel systems, and brand standards across multiple retail formats and channels.

The role has a strong focus on value engineering, safety, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and long-term return on investment.

You will work closely with real estate, construction, consultants, and other stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered accurately, efficiently, and on schedule.

This is an opportunity to lead high-impact retail development initiatives while developing teams and driving continuous improvement across a large-scale design and development portfolio.

Accountabilities:

• Lead the day-to-day design and development activities for new store construction, remodels, facility upgrades, and other capital projects from preliminary planning through final entitlements and permitted construction documents.
• Develop, implement, and maintain critical-path design and development strategies while meeting federal, state, and local requirements, brand standards, budget objectives, and project timelines.
• Manage project prioritization and coordinate closely with real estate stakeholders to ensure accurate and timely execution across the development pipeline.
• Conduct needs assessments and collaborate with key stakeholders to evaluate, select, and prototype equipment and design solutions, including food service equipment, functional requirements, and lighting systems.
• Coordinate with internal teams, consultants, and technical disciplines to develop, review, and analyze project designs while ensuring accuracy, timely completion, accepted standards, and safety requirements.
• Develop and maintain design prototypes covering civil engineering, structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, petroleum systems, interior and exterior elevations, landscaping, stormwater, signage, and related responsibilities.
• Apply value-engineering and safety principles to continuously improve design standards and maximize long-term value and return on investment.
• Identify design, permitting, utility, signage, landscaping, and construction issues and provide ongoing support to construction teams for issue resolution and cost control.
• Prepare accurate bid and construction documentation and support cost analysis and estimating activities.
• Develop and manage third-party consultants using performance metrics and tracking systems to ensure accountability and effective delivery.
• Allocate internal and external resources and supervise the workflow of design and development teams from project scope through contract documentation, scheduling, and project turnover.
• Promote team member growth, development, training, and continuous improvement.
• Participate in or lead design and development committees and cross-functional initiatives as assigned.
• Provide design and development support across multiple retail brands and channels of trade.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, or a comparable field.
• 10+ years of professional experience in commercial design and development, preferably with significant retail experience.
• Proven experience leading, developing, and motivating high-performing, proactive teams to achieve business objectives and drive continuous improvement.
• Strong project management, analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across all levels of an organization.
• Strong ability to work cross-functionally and collaborate with internal stakeholders, external consultants, technical disciplines, and teams operating across different cultures and geographies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and general project management software.
• Experience with retail development, commercial construction, design management, or related environments.
• Licensed Architect or Engineer certification is preferred.
• Convenience store or petroleum industry experience is preferred.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD, Bluebeam, and Revit is a plus.
• Strong commercial acumen, creativity, innovation, negotiation, relationship management, data interpretation, and business process improvement capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, resources, and deadlines while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% as required by the role.

Benefits

• $140,000-$170,000 annual base salary, representing the expected range of possible base compensation at the time of posting.
• Fully remote position within the United States.
• Discretionary annual bonus program.
• Long-term incentive program.
• Generous retirement benefits, including a 401(k) matching program and pension for eligible employees.
• Paid vacation based on relevant industry experience, ranging from 120-240 hours annually for full-time employees.
• 9 paid holidays plus 2 personal choice holidays each year.
• Up to 8 weeks of paid parental leave for the birth or adoption of a child.
• Health, vision, and dental insurance.
• Life insurance and short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Inclusive and collaborative working environment focused on learning, professional growth, and continuous improvement.
• Opportunities to lead large-scale retail design and development projects with significant strategic and operational impact.
• No relocation assistance is provided for this position.
• Accessibility and reasonable accommodation support is available throughout the recruitment and employment process.